| Nerve
conduction velocity (NCV)
|
|
Sub Sections:
|
| Nerve
conduction velocity (NCV) testing measures the speed of conduction
of impulses through a nerve. This test is used to diagnose nerve damage
or dysfunction. It can usually differentiate injury to the nerve fiber
(axon) from injury to the myelin sheath surrounding the nerve. How NCV is performed? A technician places round metallic electrodes on the skin over the nerve at various locations of the body. A low intensity electric current is introduced to stimulate the nerves. The velocity at which the resulting electric impulses are transmitted through the nerves is determined when images of the impulses are projected on an oscilloscope or computer screen. Most neuropathies are caused by damage to the nerve's axon rather than damage to the myelin sheath surrounding the nerve. If a response is slower than normal, damage to the myelin sheath is implied. If the height of the response's amplitude is low with a relatively normal speed of conduction, damage to the nerve axon is implied. There is minimal if any discomfort with the test because the electrical stimulus is small and is usually not felt by the patient. Nerve Conduction Velocity (NCV) are tests you may order to measure nerve conduction and muscle action potential. These tests are performed to determine if symptoms (e.g. sciatica, weakness) are caused by a nerve or muscle disorder. A NCV assesses how well a specific nerve conducts impulses by evaluating the speed of an impulse as it travels along a nerve. This test can help determine if there is nerve damage, the extent of the damage and if nerves have been destroyed. What are Evoked Potential Studies? They are medical tests used to check the condition of nerve pathways. Evoked Potential Tests measure the electrical signals carried by the nerves quickly and safely. A healthy nervous system uses electrical energy to carry messages smoothly along nerve cells to the brain. This allows us to see, hear, feel, taste, and smell. Disease or damage to the nervous system can affect how well nerves send messages to the brain. Muscle weakness, pain, numbness, vision, hearing problems, and other conditions may result. DSEP - tests an area on the surface of the body innervated by nerve fibers from one spinal root. Physicians are currently performing this test on their patients who have these symptoms. To start testing your patients in your office call us today: 904-424-9773 |
Medical
Diagnostics
Network
Corporate Headquarters
8834 McKenna Dr.
Jacksonville, FL 32226
904-424-9773
